RoadVitals

1998 Mercury Mystique

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
231
Latest Jan 6, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
11
Latest Apr 14, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
7
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
17
7 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 231 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Mercury Mystique, most frequently naming the suspension, engine and transmission categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 7 NHTSA investigations name it; and 242 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

11 campaigns cover this model year

View all 11

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08E033000

SUSPENSION

Apr 14, 2008
6,903 units potentially affected
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTSView on NHTSA.gov
06E022000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Mar 13, 2006
7,440 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
BRAKE PARTS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
01I013000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Aug 8, 2001
203,426 units potentially affected
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1998 FORD CONTOUR/MERCURY MYSTIQUE PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION.
The risk: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
The remedy: FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT FOR THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF A VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ02006ClosedRecall Query

INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION

Opened Feb 26, 2002
Closed Sep 12, 2002

There is no summary currently available

POWER TRAINLed to recall 98V233000
EA01001ClosedEngineering Analysis

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS

Opened Jan 5, 2001
Closed Jul 31, 2001

There is no summary currently available

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLed to recall 01I009000
EA00025ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELING

Opened Oct 4, 2000
Closed Jan 25, 2001

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
PE00027ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELING

Opened Jul 10, 2000
Closed Oct 4, 2000

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 231
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 6, 2016

HEADLIGHTS ARE MALFUNCTIONING. MY 17YO DAUGHTER GOT PULLED OVER BECAUSE ONLY HER HIGH BEAMS WERE WORKING. THE REGULAR HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM. VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES AND UNEXPECTEDLY.

NHTSA ID
10818563
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Mileage
58,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 15, 2015

WHEN YOU HAVE TRAVELED 30MINS/15 TO 18 MILES THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN/THE SPEEDOMETER BEGAN TO DROP EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE PUSHING THE GAS PEDDLE AND THE RPM GAUGE IS WAVING BACK AND FOURTH. IT HAPPENED ON 09/25/15, 10/08,13,14/2015. I WAS TRAVELING 60MPH AND 45MPH.

NHTSA ID
10782571
Incident
Oct 14, 2015
Mileage
74,000 mi
ElectricalEngineOther / unspecified+4 more
Filed Sep 25, 2014

1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. ELECTRICAL SUB-HARNESS CONNECTOR PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HIS MECHANIC, BECAUSE THE AC WASN'T COOLING PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER HEAT, WHILE IT WAS ON. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO FANS IN THE FRONT AND THEY FOUND THE COOLING FAN MELTED AND THE SUB-HARNESS CONNECTOR BURNED UP. IN ADDITION, THEY SHOWED THE CONSUMER THE PART OF THE SUB-HARNESS WITH THE INSULATION JUST FALLING OFF THE WIRE. THEY HAD TO REPLACED THE FAN MOTOR UNIT AND HAD TO SPLICE IN A FAN CONNECTOR AND WIRE INTO THE REST OF THE SUB-HARNESS, BECAUSE FOR SAID THE SUB-HARNESS WAS OBSOLETE AND NOT AVAILABLE. WHILE IT FUNCTIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS SINCE ILLUMINATED FOR A CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, WHICH THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS RELATED TO THE SUB-HARNESS. ALSO, THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINTS, FRONT STRUTS, REAR STRUTS AND REAR MOUNTS, NUMEROUS O2 SENSORS, RADIO ANTENNA, RACK AND PINION, DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW AND SWITCH CONTROLLER WERE ALL REPLACED. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10637913
Incident
Jul 1, 2014
Fuel system
Filed Sep 22, 2010

RECALL ON A FUEL FILLER NECK VALVE FOR A 98 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, GAS BEING UNABLE TO FLOW FREELY INTO GAS TANK,SPITS GAS BACK OUT ON YOU. AUGUST IS THE FIRST TIME I KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL. FORD SAYS MY VIN # WASN'T ON RECALL , BUT THE PART IS DEFECTIVE ANYWAY.( DANGEROUS ) OCCURS EVERYTIME YOU TRY AND PUT GAS INTO CAR. THEY PUT A CANISTER VENT VALVE ON WHICH WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THEY KEPT THE OLD PART THAT WAS GOOD. PROBLEM IS FUEL FILLER NECK VALVE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10356984
Incident
Aug 11, 2010
Mileage
83,240 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2009

FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10263290
Incident
Jan 21, 2009
Mileage
89,300 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 11, 2009

I AM THE 2ND OWNER OF MY 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2004. IT HAS A COMPUTER DEFECT THAT GIVES A FALSE READING FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THIS CAR QUALIFIED FOR THE NJ LEMON LAW BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH ITS 1ST OWNER. HOWEVER, THAT OWNER WAS TOO KIND TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE PREVIOUS OWNER GAVE ME A FILE FILLED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION FROM THE DATE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, BRAND NEW IN DECEMBER 1997. SHORTLY AFTER HIS PURCHASE HE HAD THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HE HAD IT BACK A COUPLE MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME THING AND THEY ALWAYS FIXED IT. OBVIOUSLY, THEY PUT A BAND-AID ON A MAJOR DEFECT. I NOTICED THE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FORMER OWNER SAID HE HAD IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD NOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO IT. WELL, SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN TOLD AT INSPECTION THAT IT HAS TO BE FIXED EVERY TIME. SO IT GOES TO MY MECHANIC WHO WILLS REPAIR/REPLACE THE NECESSARY PARTS PER THAT DAY'S COMPUTER READING. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS (OCCASIONALLY MONTHS) THE LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. PREVIOUS TO THIS YEARS INSPECTION (DECEMBER 31ST) I HAD MY FRIEND LOOK IT OVER AND HE REPLACED THE VALVE/SENSOR THAT WAS DEFECTED (PER THAT DAYS COMPUTER READING). WELL, RIGHT BEFORE INSPECTION THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT BACK ON. AND OF COURSE, SINCE IT WAS ON, IT FAILED AGAIN. I MENTIONED TO THE INSPECTOR THAT IT HAD A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY RECOURSE AND HE TOLD ME TO LOOK INTO THE NJ WAIVER PROGRAM. I CALLED THE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION TO LEARN ABOUT THE WAIVER PROGRAM. I UNDERSTAND TO BE CONSIDERED, THE REPAIR COST HAS TO BE ABOUT $400 OR MORE. SOME TIME AGO THE REPAIR COSTS LIMIT WAS ABOUT $250 OR MORE. WELL, FOR THE REPAIR I HAD DONE BEFORE THIS LAST INSPECTION, IT COST ME ABOUT $250 AGAIN. I BELIEVE THAT FOR THESE REASONS I SHOULD QUALIFY FOR A VEHICLE WAIVER FOR THE EMISSIONS INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10258386
Incident
Dec 31, 2008
Mileage
125,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 17, 2008

LOST 4 TIRES WITH LESS THAN 35K MILES DUE TO SIDEWALL FAILURES. TIRES INSTALLED ON MARCH 2006, LOST ALL FOUR BETWEEN APRIL 2008 AND JUNE 2008. FIRST ONE HAD A BULGE ON THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL, OTHER 3 WERE SIDEWALL BLOWOUTS. TIRES INSTALLED ON A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. TIRES WERE FULDA CARAT ASSURO, P205/60-15. *TR

NHTSA ID
10231324
Incident
Jun 10, 2006
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Jun 3, 2008
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HER FUSE BOX MELTED, WHICH CAUSED THE BLOWER MOTOR TO FAIL. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V230000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,708.

NHTSA ID
10229723
Incident
Apr 6, 2008
Mileage
114,708 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

042107

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

04217

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

041516

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) P0420 AND/OR P0430. *TT

041814

STEERING:COLUMN

STEERING COLUMN SHIPPED WITHOUT CRUSH PAD - REUSE ORIGINAL CRUSH PAD IF NOT DAMAGED. *TT

03203

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT

03181

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercury Mystique by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2002200—
2001200—
2000635156.3
19991284259.3
1998Viewing23111760.9
1997717460.9
199618510562.2
199533512661.9
1994200—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.